The secret of sound of Stradivarius violins is covered in secret preservative

The Taiwan scientists have found out that wood of which Antonio Stradivari violins are made considerably differs on the chemical composition from composition of wood of modern violins.

The violins created by Antonio Stradivari (1644-1837) are considered as the best tools in own way. On quality of sounding only Giuseppe Guarneri violins, the neighbor Stradivari can be compared to them probably. Among professional violinists these tools are still considered preferable in comparison with modern analogs.

To find out what properties do sound of Stradivarius violins and Gvarneri unique, scientists from National university of Taiwan have carried out the chemical analysis of samples of a maple (back walls of a sound board are made of him) two violins and two violoncellos of Stradivari and one violin of Gvarneri. They have compared the obtained data to indicators of five modern violins made in Italy.

The analysis has shown that Gvarneri and Stradivari’s tools considerably differ from organic and inorganic substances, modern on structure. So, about a third гемицеллюлоз in old violins has managed to decay, and the lignin was partially oxidized. Besides, Stradivarius violins have been covered with the mineral preservative containing calcium, copper, aluminum, sodium and zinc.

According to researchers, preservative wasn’t just applied on a tree surface, but served as solution for his soaking. At production of modern violins the similar technology isn’t used: before processing wood just dries on air within several years. Other masters living in the 18-19th centuries according to the latest data, also didn’t resort to a wood soaking.

Thus, the original manufacturing techniques of violins which were used by Gvarneri and Stradivari are lost. Scientists intend to continue work on recovery of composition of mineral preservative. They also connect unique sounding of tools with natural aging of wood because of which in elements of violins the structure of fibers changes.